China targets USD 1 trillion in tourism revenue

China plans to raise tourism revenue to RMB 7 trillion (USD 1 trillion) by 2020, the Chinese government said. The sector made more than RMB 4 trillion in 2015.

State Council five-year tourism plan (2016-2020) says China will strive to develop tourism into a major driver for economic transformation and upgrades.

By 2020, investment in tourism is expected to grow to RMB 2 trillion, and the sector will contribute more than 12% of GDP, reported state news agency Xinhua.

Travel agencies will be encouraged to sell more diverse products, such as countryside trips and tours of former revolutionary bases.

Xinhua also commented that the quality of tourist destinations must be raised, partly through "five tourist city clusters" and "10 national tour belts". Public services for tourists will be improved, including transportation. Green tourism will also be promoted.

Inbound tourism will get stronger policy support. The government also expects moderate growth in outbound travel.

The services sector made up a majority of economic growth in the first three quarters. Tourism will create jobs and help poverty alleviation in rural areas.